Course Description

SS1230, SS1231 U.S. History, Understanding the Contemporary UnitedStates Since 1865

Prerequisite: None

Grade: 11 Credit: 1

Students will begin this year-long course studying the foundational themes in our nation’s creation, i.e. creation of government, federalism, rule of law, etc. The emphasis of this beginning unit will be how these foundational themes defined the nation in 1865. This prerequisite knowledge is a necessity to understanding the contemporary United States and will be used as a building block from which to study all future events. All themes will be examined through a philosophical and ideological lens, analyzing the core of our representative democracy. This philosophical approach will require students to use historical events as predictors of future policy and activity. Students will focus on international affairs and the future of the United States in an international/global community. This course fulfills the United States History requirement for graduation.